How well I remember the first time I heard the word: “World-ly.” It was from a congregation member in an independent pentecostal style church, and they were referring to watching television. ‘Friendship with the world is hatred toward God, ” they declared to me with much confidence. “It’s in the book of James,” they said.

SO I went home and read the book of James. I have to say I didn’t much care for James (my brother in the Lord by the way) When I first read his book. I thought, “Wow,” and was stunned by these words; “Adulterers and Adultesses! Don’t you know friendship with the world is emnity (hatred) toward God? Wow. Wrecked all my love theories in a big fat hurry! James 3 and 4, preface to 5 where the solution is given, without a lot of fanfare. It wrecked my pride, right then. See I was faithful to someone who wasn’t (toward me) and I had serious pride about it too.

I wasn’t too happy with James that day, for causing me to see how Adulterous I was, but once I had read the words, I could not possibly “Un-read” them either.

I remember when I heard television watching, listening to (worldly) music, smoking, eating too much, and even talking to those who are not preaching the bible every day of their lives was considered to be “worldiness.” I wanted you to know where this doctrine came from. It came from someone who loved the bible, but didn’t study it too well. They saw something on the pages (of their beloved bible) and ran with it.

What is the cure to this (adulterous) Worldiness James is talking about? Well he tells you in his next words, “Draw near to God,” He says (James 4:8) “Purify your heart”(oh I just thought of Matthew 5, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall (see God) Oh maybe this is the cure for blindness, eh? Purify my heart? What does that mean?

So I asked God about it (over and over again) in my personal friendship time with Him. For if he is my friend, he is willing to show me, right? I would think so!

OH here’s the answer: “He gives us more Grace.” More Grace? More unmerrited favor when we are so messed up? How could it be, I wondered?

James mentions weeping (over our own sing) getting humble, enduring, and patiently waiting for God to do the work (in us) and also “admitting” to others we have faults.

He says nothing about going on witch hunts to find people we think are worldly and nailing them to the wall. Nothing about being all puffed up and smug about our “lack of worldliness,” And nothing about Judging others (for being so messed up). Furthermore He (like his brother Jesus) Just said we are adulterers and adultresses JUST for loving the world (or any part of it) More than we love God. WOW.

So, there we go. No more judging others for what YOU consider to be worldly or the worst sin, eh? Get your eyes on yourself (and your relationship with God). It’s the only way. The only way! And now you know why I don’t easily submit to the judgment of others. Let God be the Judge! Let (the words) of man fall to the ground, and let every Word of God stand true! I love James (now) Why? I Prayed I would! And God answered me! Because this is the types of prayers HE REALLY LOVES TO ANSWER! “Father change my heart, make me more like you……Help me love what you love, and turn from what you hate. Amen”

Your sister, lover of James, lover of God and lover of truth in God’s Spirit,

As Christ is formed in you ……(Let it begin) God’s peace (and Mercy) to you all…….

There is a big difference between the desire to be rich, and being rich. Let’s pray:Father thank you for speaking to me and giving revelation to my heart and mind. Cause me to understand your word better Father I pray, and not be clueless or just listening to what others say about you! Help me to know you! In Jesus’ name. amen.

I am a preacher who tends to speak not ‘word for word” scripture, but everything I say is based on scripture. The “branches and leaves” of the original vine, if you will. This is because I want you to read it for yourself, and not just “follow me.”

THERE Seems to be a contradiction if you read the scripture without inviting God’s SPIRIT in. This is WHY there is so many different beliefs, among Christians about nearly everything. God seems to be chastising the rich in one place, and saying he’ll make us wealthy in another.

I am here to tell you, there is not a contradiction. James says, those who desire to be rich fall into temptation. Evil desire gives birth to sin…….(in another passage) …….

In Luke, we have a rich young ruler, who was challenged about what mattered to him most: The kingdom of God or his money? Jesus was walking in the same wisdom He gave Solomon here. (If you have read these things, you will understand what I am saying here.) And in Matthew, we have “easier to go through the eye of a needle” than for a rich man (who is attached to his riches) to enter in. FINALLY we have Rev 3 where

God really clarifies what he’s been saying about wealth the whole time: “YOU DON”T THINK YOU NEED ME” (Paraphrase) because you rely on yourself, and your money!

So we see, as we contemplate, (and let those religious ideas go out the window!) That God is not contradicting himself. Why are the generous soul made rich? Because, God wants to equip the generous with more to give! They have proven they love people, not money. Sometimes people are rich because the evil one did it, so that they would not ever become all they were meant to be, in Christ. So don’t let riches fool you, one way or the other. Don’t get attached to it, the wise man said in Proverbs.

I do hope this clarifies whether we can or cannot, pray for Prosperity. Examine your heart, seek God about it, and don’t let “the desire” to be rich take over your love for God and his Kingdom. If you do that, you will do well, prospering or not!